Two Belfast restaurants have retained their Michelin star status in the 2018 selections that saw Holywood bistro Noble awarded a Bib Gourmand for the first ever time.

Eipic and Ox lead the way in Northern Ireland with a Michelin star each.

The Bib is a separate award for restaurants that offer good food at more affordable prices.

Noble chef Pearson Morris praised the team they have with their Michelin success.

"It was great," he said. "It was down to the people and the team that we have really.

"Michelin is international recognition, your restaurant could be in France, London or Tokyo but it's all the same standard."

Belfast-based restaurants Deanes at Queen's, Bar and Grill at James Street South and Home have all kept their Bib Gourmand awards, as have Fontana in Holywood, the Old Schoolhouse Inn in Comber and Wine & Brine in Moira.

A total of seven NI eateries have been listed in the prestigious good food guide, while seven newcomers have joined the list of 20 Bib Gourmand recipients in the Republic of Ireland.

Michael Deane is now celebrating his 17th Michelin Star over 21 years in four different venues.

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank Chef Danni Barry for her sterling contribution to Deanes EIPIC over the last four years and for the seamless handover to our recently appointed new Head Chef at EIPIC, Alex Greene.

"I’m confident that Deanes EIPIC with the existing kitchen brigade will continue to deliver the quality experience our customers appreciate.

"Alex is an exceptionally accomplished chef with an impressive track record.”

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The Wild Honey Inn - a Michelin Bib Gourmand holder since 2010 - is run by Aidan and his partner Kate Sweeney.

It was the only newcomer to join an 11-strong list of Michelin Star restaurants in the Republic of Ireland.

The Wild Honey Inn, which has a history that dates from 1860, was refurbished in 2009.

Its food offering places emphasis on the French classical genre, using wild, local produce prepared and served in a refined bistro style.

Other restaurants in the Republic of Ireland that hold their Michelin Star from previous years are the two-star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and the one-star Chapter One, L'Ecrivain and The Greenhouse in Dublin City, and Heron & Grey in Blackrock village.

In Galway city, the Aniar and Loam has retained its one-star. The Mount Juliet Hotel in Kilkenny and House Restaurant at Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Waterford, have also kept their one-star.

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Others to retain Bib Gourmand status from earlier years are 1826 Adare in Adare, Aldridge Lodge in Duncannon, Bastion in Kinsale, Chart House in Dingle, Copper Hen in Tramore, The Courthouse in Carrickmacross, Sha-Roe Bistro in Clonegal and Giovannelli in Killorglin.

This year's Michelin Guide lists a total of 350 establishments in the Republic of Ireland and 74 in Northern Ireland, including many which offer overnight accommodation.

Speaking at its launch, Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland editor Rebecca Burr said: "I'm confident the demand for good food in Ireland, from tourists and locals alike, will see further development of its culinary landscape over the next few years."